Twenty-six Navy football players walked onto the field at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium for most likely the final time Saturday afternoon against Tulsa.
They carried with them American flags, and one by one were celebrated with personalized messages from parents and family members that were shown on the video board. It was a unique touch. It was also heartwarming.
Adding to the limited festivities, parents and family members — about 120 total, Navy athletics said — of those seniors were allowed to attend the game. They dotted the lower bowl behind Navy’s sideline but had to celebrate their son from there rather than join him on the field arm-in-arm.